Overview
Overview
Spoken by 1.3 billion people, Chinese is the world’s most spoken first language. China also has one of the world’s most vibrant economies, and is a major trade partner of Australia.
With Asia’s continuing social and economic growth, an understanding of Chinese language and culture is increasingly important in global engagement.
In this major you will gain the knowledge and skills required for a diverse international career. You'll develop a high level of literacy in Chinese – listening, speaking, reading and writing – and a deep understanding of Chinese culture and society.
This major is suitable for all students. Previous study of Chinese is not required and advanced classes are provided for students who have studied Chinese previously.
Chinese is offered as part of the Bachelor of Arts. You can enhance your studies with a second major or choose from a range of elective units that support your career goals.
You can also study this major as part of a Bachelor of Science, Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Commerce double degree.
What jobs can the Chinese course lead to?
Careers
- Research officer
- Foreign affairs and trade officer
- Interpreter / translator
- Tourism information officer
- Tour guide
- Welfare worker
- Teacher – English as a Second Language (requires an additional teaching qualification).
Industries
- Education
- Foreign affairs and trade
- Global business
- Government / public service
- International relations
- Media
- Mining and minerals production
- Public service
- Tourism.
What you'll learn
- communicate in Chinese, and apply knowledge of applied linguistics and intercultural communication in a professional context
- critically analyse issues in the context of cultural and linguistic differences
- locate, evaluate and synthesise information from various sources using more than one language
- function in Chinese with an ability to communicate in an appropriate register in a range of situations and for a range of purposes
- use technology effectively to collect information and communicate in more than one language
- take responsibility for own learning and professional development in an international context
- evaluate and analyse issues arising in the region with in-depth knowledge of Chinese language and culture
- interact with people from a range of cultures and backgrounds with an understanding of cultural differences
- work independently and in teams with an intercultural understanding